S T R I K E !

Acrylic-bob · 20-04-2008, 07:45

Strike threat could force schools to close - News - Accrington Observer

I'm not sure that I support the members of the NUT in this action. From what I see of things Teachers still hold a privileged position in this country. And while the wages, conditions and pension are not what they might be expected to earn in the private sector, (remember this is a vocation) they are still generous.

I think that it is far more pertinent for us, the taxpayer to ask whether we get full value for the money that we spend on keeping teachers in the style to which they object so strongly. A 2.45% increase is not, by any means over generous, but neither is it the gratuitous insult that the NUT claim.

If we, the Taxpayer, agreed to pay teachers more than 2.45%, would we be likely to get a commensurate increase in productivity? Would there be less children playing truant, or failing their exams or leaving school unable to read and write or do simple arithmetic? Would school discipline impove?

Somehow I doubt it.

mrskitty · 20-04-2008, 08:10

Jack's dad is currently near the end of his uni course to become a teacher and has a placement at a local school,he teaches quite a few classes but isn't full time yet obviously,so i asked him how he stands with the striking....apparently if he doesn't strike he will no longer be a member of the NUT

Acrylic-bob · 20-04-2008, 08:21

Hmmm, well there's a fine example of democracy in action for you. And this lot are expected to teach our young people all about "Citizenship"

mrskitty · 20-04-2008, 08:55

I know...its so false.If i hadn't asked him,i would have assumed the teachers striking did it out of personal choice.

Tin Monkey · 20-04-2008, 09:45

This thread is nearly as ill-informed and ignorant as the one poking fun at someone's illness. Why do people bother?

Neil · 20-04-2008, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Monkey

This thread is nearly as ill-informed and ignorant as the one poking fun at someone's illness. Why do people bother?

Please inform us correctly.

cashman · 20-04-2008, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Monkey

This thread is nearly as ill-informed and ignorant as the one poking fun at someone's illness. Why do people bother?

well if its ill-informed, the only sensible way is for you to say why,not just say it is.

Tin Monkey · 20-04-2008, 16:51

Normally I ignore general ignorance, but this time I made the mistake of rising to the bait. I really can't be bothered justifying myself, so here's a picture of a dancing pig instead.

Lilly · 20-04-2008, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by misskitty

I know...its so false.If i hadn't asked him,i would have assumed the teachers striking did it out of personal choice.

They can choose, can't they?

The school that my kids go to isn't participating in the strike.

lancsdave · 20-04-2008, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilly

They can choose, can't they?

The school that my kids go to isn't participating in the strike.

Maybe they are all members of the other teaching union, not the NUT.

As for the right to choose, like them or loathe them, the idea of a union is to stick together. The union won't work if they all do their own thing. Presumably the right to choose was done at the time of voting ?

flashy · 20-04-2008, 20:28

the letter i got from Reece's school said.....

Dear Parents
As you will probably be aware from the News, and Newspaper reports, the National Union of Teachers has called a national strike on teachers' pay. The strike will take place on Thursday 24th April 2008. The majority of staff are in the NUT, and as there will be no-one to take the classes, the school will be closed for the children on that day.
Should there be any changes, and the strike is called off i will let you know immediately.

Gayle · 20-04-2008, 20:32

If you are part of a union then you must abide with the decision of the vote so doing your own thing really isn't on.

I know that teaching is supposed to be a vocation but if teachers are so valuable why should they be treated so poorly. Should they just roll over and accept a poor pay rise just because they 'enjoy' what they're doing? Surely it's more important for the person who is responsible for looking after my child's education and future to be paid well rather than some fat cat business man.

We don't want to lose the good teachers because they can't afford to do it any more or because they'd earn more in industry.

cashman · 20-04-2008, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Monkey

Normally I ignore general ignorance, but this time I made the mistake of rising to the bait. I really can't be bothered justifying myself, so here's a picture of a dancing pig instead.

do you mean can't or cannot?